Key Group co-founder steps down

Dean Mirfin is to step down from his role at the Key Group after 22 years at the firm.

The equity release firm announced today (December 19) Mr Mirfin, who is co-founder of the group as well as chief product officer and technical director, will be moving away from Key Group to pursue other opportunities.

He will remain a major shareholder in the company, work for the firm as a consultant and sit on the board of the Society of Mortgage Professionals.

Since the sale of Key Group to Partners Group in 2017, Mr Mirfin has gradually been reducing his hours, the firm said.

Mr Mirfin said: “Having worked for Key for much of my career and helped it grow into one of the leading organisations in later life lending, now is the time to step back and concentrate on other opportunities.

“I will still be working with the senior management team at Key on a consultancy basis but I will look to share my experience of building a strong vibrant company with other organisations via speaking engagements and other opportunities.”

Before Key Group, Mr Mirfin had worked as a regional manager for Countrywide Mortgage Services.

Simon Thompson, group chief executive at Key Group, said: “Mr Mirfin has been an industry stalwart and an invaluable resource for the senior management team at Key Group.

“He has gradually been stepping back from being actively involved in the day to day running of the business and we wish him well as he focuses on consultancy work and speaking opportunities.”

Key Group has grown substantially in recent years with the rise of the equity release market.

Its referral service, Key Partnerships, reported a jump of 285 per cent in the number of advisers referring their clients to Key for equity release earlier this year.

The group also recently launched a digital platform for advisers, revealing plans to “aggressively” recruit more advisers.

imogen.tew@ft.com

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